Going Over the Road with Knight

Discussion in 'Knight' started by Misesian, May 23, 2014.

  1. emerald079

    emerald079 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 4, 2014
    Memphis, TN
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    PA to UT is a great run! I love both those states, out west right now is beautiful weather, been in the 40s all day here in Wyoming :) glad you got some backing in!
     
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  3. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Been hanging out at the Carlisle terminal. We are here until Monday since he wanted to run team to get here and get a reset in. He has been sleeping in the truck all day. Not sure why he just doesn't chill inside where it's comfortable
     
  4. wentfishing223

    wentfishing223 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 2, 2013
    Binghamton, NY
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    I'd seriously consider doing the squire program rather than paying. Here are a few things to think about. 1. Knight will pay you while you're in training, it also counts towards when your benefits begin (ie. when you finish your orientation you're hired and the 3 months needed for benefits begins then even when you're a student). 2. They will pay for your room and there's no bunking with someone else. 3. You'll have the chance to get to know some of the drivers already out on the road with Knight. 4. Yes, you'll be obligated to pay back $3,500, however compare that price to the other CDL schools then factor in the fact that you'll draw a $400/wk salary while training. 5. The time you'll have behind the wheel actually driving is much higher (when you go out with a trainer for two weeks, you'll be on the road driving every day, sometimes running out your 11 hour clock, you wont get that kind of experience or training at the CDL mills). 6. The company pays for your road test, not you.

    I started my CDL training with Knight in April and have my Like everything else, there will be bumps and frustrations, but, you'll be treated like a human and in a reasonable manner. My Dm knows my name first and my truck number by memory, you don't see that every day.

    Just some food for thought from someone who faced the same decision. Hope it helps.
     
  5. wentfishing223

    wentfishing223 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 2, 2013
    Binghamton, NY
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    I think you'll be pretty happy with Knight. Mind you there will be frustrations, but all in all it isn't bad at all. I've averaged 2,800-3,200 miles/wk since starting and run on recapped hours most of the time. I have always had a load preplanned by the time to deliver the one I'm on. As far as home time. Ok, here's how that will work. If you're like me and out running 6-8 wks at a time, you need to give your DM about a weeks notice before you get your home time. Then it isn't guaranteed that you will be home THAT day, but it will be close. Concerning no forced dispatch, it's true you can turn down a load. I really don't recommend doing that very often as you'll get a bad rep going. So far I've yet to refuse a load. Some have been great, some challenging, but that's the industry in general.


    All in all I think you'll be pretty pleased with what you find. I talk with other drivers in the terminal and am really surprised with how many I speak with that are returning to Knight after thinking the grass was greener. Is it perfect? NOOOOO! But it isn't bad. The miles are here if you want them, they're fair in their treatment of the drivers, the equipment is decent, and there are allowances made in the idle policy. Goal is 15% spring and summer, 25% for the winter and summer. I've yet to have someone complain about my idle time.
     
    sunflyer Thanks this.
  6. Self

    Self Bobtail Member

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    Sep 3, 2014
    Minnesota
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    are you running dry van, or reefer with Knight? reefer recruiter is after me....claims easily 3000 miles per week....
     
  7. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Have a day off until tomorrow and I go out with another trainer for the week. My current trainer had home time. Out of PA we went to TN, TN to IL, IL to GA, AL back to AR. They have kept us very busy. They are hoping after this week I can test for my CDL and just go out on my own. This trainer was confident in me but they want to give it another week.
    I am enjoying it out here versus being in the office. Driving is the easy part. All the little things that go into making those picks and deliveries are where all the work is.
    I am pretty sure the empty truck I am sleeping in tonight will be my truck when I am through. It is a manual transmission Volvo, 140K miles, and has the dark brown accents inside rather than the standard grey everywhere. If it turns out to be mine I would be happy. I really wanted a manual trans. Volvo.
     
  8. tracyq144

    tracyq144 Heavy Load Member

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    They made you sleep in an empty truck instead of getting you a motel? ! ?
     
  9. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Nothwest Arkansas
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    It was only for a night. If I had complained I am sure they would have put me in a motel.
     
  10. Surfer Joe

    Surfer Joe Heavy Load Member

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    Cape Ann, Massachusetts
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    Hey Misesian; good luck with everything.
    I worked a bit for Knight Refrigerated a while back. While I thought that the pay was pretty lousy (starter company or not), I still liked the company itself, in general.
    From a personal aspect, I had the impression that many of the office personnel were doing the best that they were able to with what little that they had. The people that I dealt with always seemed to do their best to address any issues that I had.
    Eventually, I realized that if I wanted what I considered to be "fair pay" (that's, say, a dollar amount significantly higher than ABOUT $600.00-$750.00 a week for upwards of 100 hours a week of work, driving or not), I had to move on to better opportunities.
    Keep posting; I'm sure that you have plenty of readers interested in your daily experiences, myself included.
     
    Misesian Thanks this.
  11. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    May 21, 2014
    Nothwest Arkansas
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    After getting to Springdale they sent me out with a guy for a week to get time with a manual transmission. The last trainer had an auto. I am almost back in Springdale and have done pretty good. The load we had was AR to UT and then ID back to AR. I got some mountain driving in with the manual transmission. I take my CDL exam Monday and then I go out again 2-4 weeks with a trainer.
     
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